Antoine Semenyo wins FIFA Player of the Match as Ghana stun Panama with last-gasp winner ahead of England clash

Antoine Semenyo played a decisive role as Ghana snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama at the death. Caleb Yirenkyi’s 95th-minute winner secured all three points for the Black Stars, who moved level with England at the top of World Cup Group L ahead of a crucial showdown between the two nations.

Semenyo helps Ghana strike at the death

Ghana left it late to secure victory over Panama, with Yirenkyi scoring a dramatic winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time. The Black Stars struggled to impose themselves for long periods and appeared set to settle for a draw before finally finding a breakthrough.

Semenyo proved Ghana’s most dangerous attacking outlet throughout the contest. Operating from the right, he helped create the decisive move, with Abdul Fatawu supplying the final pass before Yirenkyi bundled the ball into the net.

The result lifted Ghana level on points with England in Group L, while Panama were left to rue a missed opportunity after controlling much of the match.

Semenyo highlights importance of the result

The Manchester City forward was later named FIFA’s Player of the Match. Semenyo admitted the late nature of the winner made the emotions difficult to process and praised his side’s resilience against a physically imposing Panama team.

“Ninety minutes plus five… I don’t even know how to describe that emotion,” he told FIFA.

“We were all so relieved because we knew how important this game was for us and also because it gives us a confidence boost going into the next game.

“They had some quite big guys to be honest, but we like that physicality. That’s what we thrive off and I thought it was a really good match-up today. I am so happy to say that we’ve got that win, but we can’t take our foot off the gas. We now have two important games and big challenges ahead of us.”

‘They’re my friends, but…’

Ghana will next face England, with Semenyo set to come up against several familiar faces from Manchester City and the Premier League.

Looking ahead to the clash, the winger made it clear that friendships will be put aside once the action begins.

“It is going to be really tough and that is why we needed this win and the confidence to potentially help us into the next round,” he said.

“We feel like with this team, we’ve got talent, we’ve got a point to prove, and I feel like that’s the driving force for us.

“Of course, they’re my friends and there’s love there, but now it’s just time to focus. We had a little bit of banter before we left for the World Cup, but I don’t think there is going to be any more.

“I don’t think I will be texting anybody from the England team. If they text me, then I’ll reply. But it’s a serious competition, so it is just time to lock in.”

England showdown looms large

Victory over Panama has put Ghana in a strong position heading into one of the standout fixtures of Group L. With England also opening their campaign with a win over Croatia, both sides know that another three points could take them a huge step closer to the knockout stages.

Semenyo’s display and late heroics from Yirenkyi have given the Black Stars momentum, confidence and belief as they prepare for a high-stakes encounter against one of the tournament favourites.